Gerontology, Minor

Department

Gerontology Program

Degrees and Programs Offered

MN in Gerontology, Minor

Gerontology is the study of aging. Our nation’s steadily increasing older population
is creating a unique demand for well educated individuals to serve as competent professionals
in the field of aging.

The Gerontology Program offers a minor and a certificate in gerontology, both designed
to prepare students to address unmet and urgent needs of elders. Special majors can
also be arranged for the student. The Gerontology Program attracts undergraduate students
from all academic areas, reentry students, graduate students within social science
and health professions, service providers, and elders seeking greater understanding
of this stage of life.Courses are designed to present comprehensive biological, psychological, cultural
and sociological theories related to the lifelong aging process. The influence of
heritage, culture, and creativity are emphasized, as are services and resources; housing
and environment; disabilities and rehabilitation; federal, state, and local agencies;
and social polices and programs for elders. Students have the opportunity to develop
empathy for older adults as they communicate and interact with elders through community
service, internships, and service learning.

GERON 18. Women and Aging

(WS 18 same as GERON 18.) Interdisciplinary course designed to facilitate the understanding
of older women and the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of the aging
process. G.E. Breadth E1. (Formerly WS 118)

Units: 3GE Area: E1

GERON 100. Images of Aging in Contemporary Society

Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area D. Explores aging theories; multicultural
potrayals of aging through art, literarure, and media; examines generational/ societal
perceptions of aging. Develops awareness of competence in recognizing different images,
and examines the influence of these images on societal/ emotional status, resources
and other elder issues. G.E. Integration ID.

Units: 3Course Typically Offered: Fall, SpringGE Area: ID

GERON 103. Psychology of Aging

(GERON 103 same as PSYCH 103.) Psychological study of maturity and old age; physiological
and sociological considerations.

Units: 3

GERON 111. Heritage and Aging

Aging is continual from birth to death. Events throughout a person's life coincide
with dates of many different historical, cultural, and humanistic occurrences. Students
explore the interrelationship of events to an elder's heritage, creativity, and potential
for succesful aging. G.E. Breadth E1.

Units: 3Course Typically Offered: FallGE Area: E1

GERON 115. Health Issues of Aging

(PH 115 same as GERON 115.) Basic principles and concepts of the aging process; includes
the physical, social, emotional and mental components of health. Benefits of health
promotion and preventive action for the aging are also explored.

Units: 3Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

GERON 125. Social Services for the Aging

(SWRK 125 same as GERON 125.) Students will be acquainted with the common bio-psycho
social needs of the aging in the United States and the social services available to
meet those needs. Within the context of social work values and problem-solving methods,
attention will be given to issues of ethnicity, gender, and gaps in services.

Units: 3Course Typically Offered: Spring

GERON 132. Alzheimer's Disease

Focuses on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other related dementias. Course will include
a complete assessment, evaluation, and treatment of AD. (Formerly GERON 180T section)

Units: 1

GERON 134. Mental Health and Caregiving

The impact of mental disorders on older adults and their caregivers will be presented.
Evidence-based guidelines for care, patient and caregiver issues, and non-pharmacologic
management principles to delay institutionalization and promote caregiver peace of
mind will be addressed.

Units: 3

GERON 137. Community Service in Gerontology

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Service oriented course designed to provide
opportunities to observe, interact, and learn from elders in gerontological settings.
Hour requirements are supported through writing and discussion of issues and solutions.
Credit/No Credit grading. (Formerly GERON 180T)

Units: 1-3

GERON 139. Death and Dying

Exploration of personal values and beliefs as well as diverse spritual and cultural
beliefs, groups regarding death, and its meaning for living. Practical matters surrounding
death are also addressed. (Formerly GERON 180T)

Units: 3Course Typically Offered: Fall

GERON 140. Aging in America: Politics & Change

An introduction to policies, politics, and programs of an aging society. The course
will examine the historical, social, cultural, economic, and demographic issues affecting
the elderly and will provide an overview of federal and state legislation and programs
for older Americans.

Units: 3

GERON 148. Biophysical Aspects of Aging

(KINES 148 same as GERON 148) Theories of aging, biological mechanisms of the aging
process, and the role of physical activity in those physiological functions influenced
by age. (Spring only)

Units: 3Course Typically Offered: Spring

GERON 150. Communication and Aging

(COMM 150 same as GERON 150.) Focusing on the communication aspects of the aging process,
organized around the major communication components of intrapersonal, interpersonal,
and mass communication with addition of such topics as attitudes, stereotypes, nonverbal,
and the communication aspects of health care.

GERON 180T. Topics in Gerontology

Various topics in the field of aging; subjects such as Alzheimer's disease, health,
aging, and elder abuse. Content varies from semester to semester.

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 9 units

GERON 185. Internship in Gerontology

Prerequisites: upper division or graduate standing and permission of instructor. Supervised
work experience in gerontology. May be coordinated with student's major, e.g., business
and gerontology. CR/NC grading only.

Units: 1-6Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

GERON 190. Independent Study

Requirements

Gerontology Minor Requirements

The Minor in Gerontology (study of aging) is open to students in any major. It is
designed to serve undergraduate majors in business; communicative sciences and disorders;
child, family, and consumer science; health science; nursing; kinesiology; physical
therapy; psychology; therapeutic recreation; social work; and sociology.

The minor consists of 15 semester units of credit. Students should register in the
Gerontology Program Office and meet with the gerontology director if they plan to
request a minor.

*Other gerontology courses may be approved as alternatives with permission of a gerontology
adviser.

Note: The Gerontology Minor also requires a 2.0 GPA and 6 upper-division units in residence.
If students take a cross-listed course from their major, the cross-listed course only
counts toward the Gerontology Minor if the unit requirements for the major can be
met without using the cross-listed course toward their major.

A Special Major for those interested in Gerontology may be designed. The process for this is initiated
through the University Advising Center, 559.278.1787, Joyal Administration, Room 224.